Great Events

We all know that great events don’t just happen overnight. They require collaboration, creativity, and, most importantly, strong partnerships.In this episode, host Felicia Asiedu is joined by Andrew Perrott, Founder of Chorus Creative Group, and Anita Howard, Strategy Director at ICE (International Corporate Events), to discuss the future of inclusion in events.They share the fundamentals of collaboration, trust-building, and achieving mutual goals—whether you're managing brand partnerships, coordinating large events, or fostering client relationships.In this episode, you’ll learn:Honesty and straightforward communication are critical in establishing and maintaining successful partnerships.It is vital to have a structured foundation for partnerships, such as detailed marketing activity plans and regular progress meetings, while also allowing space for informal interactions and creative brainstorming.Cultivating a reliable network of partners and collaborators who can be leaned on in critical moments is crucial for success. Additional Resources:https://chorus.london/https://www.internationalcorporateevents.com.au/home.htm 

Planning an event, particularly on the scale of a citywide conference like Cvent CONNECT, involves many complex and often overlapping tasks. Some of the primary challenges include coordinating volunteers, ensuring ample and engaging signage, and effectively managing unforeseen pop-up costs.And on this week’s #GreatEvents episode, we’re sharing all the behind-the-scenes magic on how to navigate it all.Alyssa Peltier and Rachel Andrews explore the unique challenges and triumphs of organizing a citywide event in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. From navigating logistical hurdles to sparking local engagement, we discuss the intricacies of relocating a major conference after ten years in Las Vegas.Tune in to hear:- Practical tips on scaling your event operations and handling unexpected costs- Best practices for fostering community partnerships and local inclusivity- A detailed look at innovative event elements like the breathtaking drone show- How effective teamwork and creative problem-solving can elevate any eventTune in now to walk away with strategies and inspiration to elevate your next event.In this episode, you’ll learn:The importance of detailed planning when organizing large-scale, citywide eventsHow focusing on creating strong relationships with local vendors, authorities, and even city officials can be highly beneficialInvesting in experiences transforms events from routine gatherings into unforgettable moments that resonate well with attendees long after the event concludes

Have you ever wondered how to cut costs without compromising the wow factor in events? That’s where leveraging local resources can be a game-changer.Our guest, Virgil Napier, Area Director for Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, explains how to utilize local resources for everything from coffee to fresh fish—all while making your events a total wow. Plus, Kelly McDonald, Senior Event Sourcing Consultant for Meetings and Events at Wells Fargo, shares her clever tactics for keeping those high-level meetings on-site to cut down on transportation costs. These aren't just budget hacks – they’re ways to enhance your attendees' experience without breaking the bank.And if you’re wondering about planner-supplier relationships – we hear you. Discussing mutual goals, creative solutions, and the art of transparency in planning, our experts highlight how these elements are pivotal for success.You won’t want to miss it.Here are a few key takeaways:Maximize local resources to enhance experiences on a budget: Virgil emphasizes the strategic use of local resources—such as local coffee, fresh fish, and lobsters—not only as a cost-saving measure but also to create memorable and unique experiences. This approach allows event planners to deliver high-quality events without escalating costs.Upfront negotiations and partnerships to offset inflation and service gaps: Kelly McDonald highlights the importance of negotiating upfront to manage cost increases effectively, especially in areas like food, beverages, and AV equipment.Adopt technology and innovation to streamline planning and enhance attendee experience: Kelly and Virgil share insights on how planners and hoteliers navigate the "test and learn" phase of technology adoption. They also discuss the importance of collaboration in successfully implementing these innovations.

Are you getting the most out of trade shows?We talk a lot about the events that we, as planners, host ourselves. But with the right preparation and tools in place, the trade shows we attend can also be massively valuable.On this episode of Great Events, Host Alyssa Peltier sits down with Sohil Adyanthaya, Product Marketing Strategist at Cvent, to discuss ideal strategies for squeezing every drop out of your trade show experience. Our conversation zeros in on the critical role trade shows play for businesses of all sizes. From enhancing brand exposure to generating quality leads and improving sales conversions, we’ll cover top tips for planning ahead and explore how technological advances can streamline and optimize your trade show experiences. So, whether you’re an event newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find actionable insights to help you maximize the impact of your trade show participation.Here are a few key takeaways:Collecting quality leads from trade shows requires intentional planning, setting the right meetings with the right people, and utilizing a consistent set of tools. Choosing the right technologies, such as Jifflenow and iCapture—recently acquired by Cvent—is key to extracting the most success from each trade show. When it comes to improving the relationship between salespeople and those who manage events, it’s all about communicating in one another’s language. 

Is it true that the louder, brighter, and flashier the event, the greater it will be?In this episode of Great Events, host Alyssa Peltier is joined by Megan Henshall, Google's Global Events Strategic Solutions Lead. They discuss the powerful intersection of technology and inclusion in the events industry and how to prioritize radical inclusion, ensuring everyone feels valued and safe at your events.Megan introduces the Neu project, which is focused on creating spaces for neurodivergent individuals, and shares actionable tips for integrating their needs into event planning. Here are some key takeaways:Incorporate explicit language around neurodivergent needs in your event registration and communication. Educate yourself and your team about the neurodivergent experience to develop empathy and inclusive design strategies.Offer quiet spaces, sensory kits, and tailored experiences to create event environments that balance sensory needs and cater to a diverse audience.Instead of aiming for universal design, focus on cultivating a range of choices that represent diverse communities. Use tools and resources like those developed by Storycraft Lab and David Allison to design for belonging, and consider piloting these frameworks in your events.The hybrid set-up has definitely helped individuals with neurodivergent, sensory processing differences, and social anxiety enjoy these events without the added stress of attending them. Megan shares her goals with the Neu Project and the road to a more inclusive events industry.Additional Resources:https://wheelofbelonging.com/https://www.theneuproject.com/https://wild.community/collaborate/https://imexevents.com/media/press-releases/google-xi-colaboratory-brings-design-thinking-sprints-to-imex-frankfurt

Ever wondered how your most memorable student events were made?Well, in this episode of Great Events, host Rachel Andrews and Stacey Sheppard are joined by Sam Bethel, University of San Francisco’s Digital Communications Manager, and they cover just that. They discuss how the University of San Francisco centralizes its approach to event planning and execution to ensure a seamless, branded experience from student orientation to alumni reunions.Sam shares strategies for leveraging event technology like Cvent to streamline operations, encourage student engagement and participation, and foster lifelong university connections.Here are some key takeaways:Learn how USF's unique approach to centralized event planning fosters consistency and engagement across diverse audiences.Uncover best practices for creating and implementing event templates that can be customized to suit different departments and needs.Understand the importance of a holistic, 'care for the whole person' approach in higher education events and how it can be applied to corporate events. Explore ways to measure event success beyond registration numbers, ensuring meaningful participation and long-term engagement.Draw inspiration from real-world examples, like the successful career retreat at Google's office, to enhance your own event planning processes.Whether you're an event enthusiast, creator, or innovator, Sam shares his tips on what makes a great event strategy and how they do it at USF.

Are your events and content truly accessible for all who’d like to participate?In honor of tomorrow’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re dedicating this episode of Great Events to just that - improving event accessibility. And we have just the expert to help us. Stephen Cutchins, Senior Manager of Accessibility at Cvent, has been working in accessibility for over twenty years. In this episode, he sits down with Host Felicia Asiedu to share his latest insights. They discuss how creating inclusive and accessible events can not only better serve a diverse audience but also significantly boost business revenues. We'll also explore the tangible steps and strategies organizers can implement for better inclusivity. Plus, Stephen shares about upcoming initiatives, including a groundbreaking “No Attendee Left Behind” webinar and the exciting launch of his book "The Big Book of Event Accessibility." So, whether you're a seasoned event planner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information that will help you ensure no attendee is left behind. Here are a few key takeaways from Part 1:Companies that are more accessible make 60% more revenue than companies that are not inclusive of people with disabilities. That’s a remarkable return on the roughly 2% extra it costs to make your products more accessible.The first step to better accommodating event attendees with disabilities is to ask them what they need. Not sure what to say? Ask if they require ADA (American Disabilities Act) accommodations and, if they do, inquire about specific needs. While fantastic tools can help, a planner’s top priority should be ensuring that their software enables them to create accessible content. 

You may think university events are just a small, normal piece of a university's student life and marketing plan. But what if we told you that it's actually vital to create a long-lasting relationship with that student, who then continues into their journey as a professional adult and alumnus?This is why we’re dedicating a special two-part episode of Great Events to investigating the impact of events on education.Join us as Host Alyssa Peltier sits down to discuss this unique topic with Stacey Sheppard, Senior Manager of Solutions Marketing at Cvent. In part one of our conversation, we explore the entire lifecycle of a student and the lasting impact of strategic event planning on the university experience. We also discuss the evolution of campus tours, the various departments that planners come from within universities, and the critical role of virtual events post-pandemic. So, whether you're a student, an educator, or an event enthusiast, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Here are a few key takeaways from Part 1:Higher Ed events can lead to lifelong loyalty in the student lifecycle. One university found that if a person participated in an event as a student, they were 80% more likely to be active, engaged, and philanthropic alumni. Experiences that engage and excite students virtually and in person are more likely to improve students’ experience and appreciation for the university.No matter if it's corporate or educational, customizing events for your audience is key to success.

What does a successful event really boil down to? Effective planning and preparation. Join Paulina Giusti and Robin Clark, Senior Manager of Trade Shows and Event Marketing at Cvent, as they delve into sales enablement and engagement, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between marketing and sales.Robin gives an insider look at how detailed tracking of the attendee experience at Cvent CONNECT — encompassing session engagement, survey feedback, and appointments — equips sales reps with the narratives they need for follow-up that resonates.We discuss setting clear, actionable goals for different business lines and ensuring team members are aware and fully understand their targets in a post-pandemic landscape with steady growth.Tune in to understand how important it is for sales and client service teams to be armed with the right information pre-registration and throughout the promotion to capably field questions and nudge early registrations.Here are a few takeaways:Collecting detailed attendee journey data will empower marketers to craft personalized follow-up narratives for sales reps, fostering deeper connections and potential sales.The partnership between sales and marketing teams is crucial for event success. Advocating for open communication, goal alignment, and early planning to create a cohesive strategy will help you avoid task overload and maximize team talents.Ensure your sales and client services teams are prepared to promote events and engage with potential attendees. Strategic timeline management helps ensure a successful event by fostering early interest and confidence.

Have you made a habit of prioritizing sustainability? In the events industry, it’s much-discussed, but action is key. As Great Events host Alyssa Peltier says, “When it comes to sustainability, a zero excuses policy is the best policy.” In this episode, Alyssa joins fellow hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu to discuss insights shared by Cassidy Knowles, Group Managing Director of Chorus Creative Group. From Chorus's spectacular sustainability efforts to the small steps each individual can take, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. Here are a few takeaways:Ask: How can we reduce first? It’s about the best money-saving strategy for the organization's people and the planet. Start small: With large organizations, one policy change that can be rolled out across that sea of events is significant. Begin to institutionalize things, and that institutionalization becomes a cultural shift. There’s always more to learn, and—to that end—Cassidy suggests visiting the B Corp website and filling out an initial survey. 

Content doesn't have to go to waste. Rather, its shelf life and value can increase over time.In this episode of Great Events, join host Felicia Asiedu and content strategist Victoria Akinsowon as they dive deep into the art of repurposing event content. They discuss practical tips for identifying the most resonant event themes/messages and how to repurpose them into various formats––from turning event sessions into engaging blog posts to creating captivating video snippets for social media.They also tap into the significance of audience feedback and use real-time insights from events to guide your content strategy. They leverage tools like AI for efficient content repurposing and share insights into measuring the success of your repurposed content across different platforms.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to utilize your event content to the fullest potential by using real-time audience insights and feedback to create meaningful contentHow to leverage a variety of content formats and channels to extend the lifespan and reach of your event contentHow to stay agile in measuring and adapting your content's impact across different channels

Why does Group Travel matter so much? In a world full of Zoom and digital dial-ins, what makes in-person connection so essential? Well, in this episode of Great Events, hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu discuss those very questions—and usher in Global Meetings Industry Day— with Ishma Haider, VP of Group Travel at the US Travel Association. From defining the whats and whys of the Association to the broader roles of advocacy and in-person global events, it’s the perfect conversation to kick off GMID 2024. Here are some key takeaways:There are a wide variety of resources available to members of the US Travel Association. Take a closer look at all the areas this organization impacts and how it can help you in your corner of the industry.To breathe innovation into events, it’s important to keep a pulse on what the industry wants. Events like IPW are a great way to do just that. When the travel industry thrives, America thrives. In 2023, travelers in the US spent 1.3 trillion, producing an economic footprint of 2.8 trillion and supporting more than 15 million American jobs. And in the meetings and events space, 2023 travel contributed 119 billion in spending to the US economy. Additional Resources:GMID Toolkit to help you engage in the day: Global Meetings Industry Day Toolkit | U.S. Travel Association (ustravel.org). Reach out to your local policymakers (and neighbors) to share about our industry - what it brings, what it means to you, and why meetings matter.